Retrievable hydrostatically set subsurface well tools



8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct. 12, 1965 w. D. MYERS ETAL RETRIEVABLE HYDROSTATICALLY SET SUBSURFACE WELL TOOLS Filed April 3, 1961 Oct. 12, 1965 w. D. MYERS ETAL 3,211,226

RETRIEVABLE HYDROSTATICALLY SET SUBSURFACE WELL TOOLS Oct. 12, 1965 w. D. MYERS ETAL 3,211,226

RETRIEVABLE HYDROSTATICALLY SET SUBSURFACE WELL TOOLS 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 F260 40.

Filed April 3, 1961 ul nlll ll ll 'l INVNTORS.

MAL/AM D. M YEES Jay/v R. BHKER l 1 111111 lllxz Oct. 12, 1965 w. D. MYERS ETAL 3,211,225 RETRIEVABLE HYDROSTATICALLY SET SUBSURFACE WELL TOOLS Filed April 5. 1961 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 lNvENToRs. WLL/RM D. MYEQS zfamv R. BHKEQ y Oct. 12, 1965 w. D. MYERS ETAL 3,211,226

RETRIEVABLE HYDROSTATICALLY SET SUBSURFACE WELL TOOLS 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed April 3. 1961 INVENTOR5 WLL/QM D, MYEQS ci'omv R. BHKEQ JQTTOQ/VEYS.

Oct. 12, 1965 w. D. MYERS ETAL. 3,211,225

RETRIEVABLE HYDROSTATICALLY SET SUBSURFACE WELL TOOLS 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed April 3, 1961 INVENTORS.

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44/9/14 D. MYERS (To/1w 1Q. BHKER' 6 United States Patent 3,211,226 RETRIEVABLE HYDROSTATICALLY SET SUBSURFACE WELL TOOLS William D. Myers, Houston, Tern, and John R. Baker, Mexico City, Mexico, assignors to Baker Oil Tools, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of California Filed Apr. 3, 1961, Ser. No. 100,329 22 Claims. (Cl. 166120) The present invention relates to subsurface well tools, and more particularly to well packers adapted to be anchored in well bores.

An object of the invention is to provide a well packer adapted to be set hydraulically in a well bore, and in which the hydraulic setting force remains constant throughout the life of the packer, despite some extrusion or other loss, of packing material that might tend to lessen the hydraulic setting force.

Another object of the invention is to provide a well packer adapted to be set in a well bore by the hydrostatic head of fluid therewithin, and maintained in set condition by such hydrostatic head of fluid.

A further object of the invention is to provide a well tool, such as a well packer, adapted to be set hydrostatically in a well bore which can be readily released and retrieved from the well bore.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a well tool, such as a well packer, adapted to be hydrostatically set in a well bore against movement in both longitudinal directions, and which is readily releasable and retrievable from the well bore.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a well packer for multiple zone production having a plurality of distinct parallel passages for association with parallel tubular strings, and through which production from the zones can be separately conducted, the packer being set hydraulically in the well bore without moving any tubular string, thereby enabling all surface connections to be made at the well head to control the well pressures during the removal of the drilling mud, or other weighting material, from the well bore, and before the packer is set, subsequent setting of the packer and completion of the well occurring without disturbing the surface connections.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objects which may be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of several forms in which it may be embodied. Such forms are shown in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification. These forms will now be described in detail for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that such detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a well packer embodying the invention;

FIGS. 2 and 2a together comprise a longitudinal section, on an enlarged scale, through the well packer illustrated in FIG. 1, prior to setting of the well packer, FIG. 2a constituting a lower continuation of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 3 and 3a together constitute a longitudinal section similar to FIGS. 2 and 2a, respectively, illustrating the well packer anchored in packed-off condition in a well casing, FIG. 3a constituting a lower continuation of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 4 and 4a together constitute a longitudinal section corresponding to FIGS. 3 and 3a, with the well packer conditioned for release from the well casing, FIG. 4a constituting a lower continuation of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section taken along the line 5-5 on FIG. 2a;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section taken along the line 6--6 on FIG. 2a;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section taken along the line 7-7 on FIG. 2a;

FIG. 8 is a cross-section taken along the line 8-8 on FIG. 4a;

FIG. 9 is a cross-section taken along the line 9-9 on FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary longitudinal section, on an enlarged scale, taken along the line 10-10 on FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary enlarged longitudinal section taken along the line 11--11 on FIG. 5;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged longitudinal section taken along the line 12-12 on FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of well packer, with its parts in retracted position;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal section taken along the line 1414 on FIG. 13;

FIGS. 15 and 15a together constitute a longitudinal section, on an enlarged scale, of the well packer illustrated in FIG. 13, FIG. 15a constituting a lower continuation of FIG, 15;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-section taken along the line 16-16 on FIG. 15.

The well packers illustrated in the drawings are particularly provided for use in conducting well production from a plurality of separate zones in a well bore through separate paths and tubular strings 10, 11 to the top of the well bore. In its broader aspect, however, it is to be understood that the invention is applicable to a well packer having a single passage and adapted to conduct production through a single tubular string associated therewith to the top of the well bore'. Certain aspects of the invention are also applicable to subsurface well tools generally, and are not confined to well packers.

In the form of invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 12, inclusive, a well packer A is provided of the retrievable type, which is adapted to be anchored in packed-oil? condition in a well casing B against movement in both longitudinal directions. The Well packer includes first and second parallel tubular body members 12, 13, the second tubular body 13 having an upper threaded pin 14 threaded in a lower bore 15 in a receptacle or parallel string head 16. The passage through the second tubular string 11 communicates with a second passage 17 extending upwardly through the parallel string head 16. The second tubular string 11 is adapted to be lowered from the top of the well bore into the casing B for reception within the second passage 17. As illustrated, the lower portion of the second tubular string includes a sub 18 having a suitable side seal 19 mounted thereon for sealing against the wall of the second passage 17. Depending from the sub is a latch device including a plurality of spring-like arms 20 having central cam projections or fingers 21 adapted to be received under a flange or shoulder 22 in the parallel string head below the sealing region of the second passage. .These fingers 21 are engageable with the head shoulder 22 when the second tubular string 11 is being inserted in the passage 17, such engagement springing the fingers 21 and arms 20 inwardly sufllciently so that the fingers ride past the shoulder to a position therebelow, to retain the second tubular string 11 releasably latched in the second passage 17 with its seal 19 engaging the wall of the second passage. The exertion of a suflicient upward pull on the second tubular string 11 will cause the fingers 21 to engage the lower tapered surface 23 of the head shoulder, which will cam or force the fingers 21 and the latch arms 20 inwardly until the fingers ride past the flange 22, whereupon the second tubular string 11 can be withdrawn completely from the second passage 17.

The parallel string head also has a first longitudinal passage 24 extending therethrough from its upper end. Slidably mounted in the first passage is the lower portion or mandrel 25 of the first tubular string extending to the top of the well bore. This first tubular string has a lower threaded head 26 piloted over the upper end of the first tubular body 12, leakage between these parts being prevented by a suitable seal ring 27 mounted in the head and engaging the periphery of the body 12. The head 26 has an external left-hand thread 28 threaded into a companion left-hand thread 29 in an upper connector and abutment member 30 into which both the first and second tubular bodies 12, 13 extend. The upper end of this abutment member engages a spacer member 31 through which both the second tubular body 13 and the mandrel portion or upper extension of the first tubular body project. Prior to release of the tool, after it has been set in the well casing, an upwardly facing shoulder 32 on the threaded head 26 is spaced a substantial distance below the spacer member 31 to allow left-hand rotation of the first tubular string 10, as described hereinbelow, to effect an unthreading of the head 26 from the upper connector member and elevation of the threaded head into engagement with the spacer member 31.

Threaded on to the lower end of the connector 30 is an upper gauge ring 33 having an inwardly directed flange 34 that clamps an upper insert 35 against the lower end of the upper connector 30, this insert having two holes 36 therethrough for reception of the first and second tubular bodies 12, 13. The second tubular body member 13 has a split ring 37 mounted in its peripheral groove 38, the lower end of this ring bearing against the insert 35, and the upper end of the ring being spaced from a downwardly facing shoulder 39 on the upper connector 30, to permit upward movement of the second tubular body 13 relative to the connect-or, as described hereinbelow. The first tubular body 12 also has a split ring 40 mounted in its peripheral groove 41 and engaging the insert 35, the upper end of the ring engaging a shoulder 42 in the connector, so that the first tubular body member 12 and the connector 30 are secured together, relative movement therebetween being prevented.

The first and second tubular body members 12, 13 extend downwardly through an initially and normally retracted packing structure 43, an expander 44, a slip structure 45 for anchoring the well packer A against longitudinal movement in the well casing B, an elastic holding structure 46 for preventing upward movement of the packer in the well casing, and a hydraulic actuating mechanism 47. The packing structure 43 specifically illustrated includes a plurality of pliant, elastic packing elements 48 made of rubber, or rubber-like material, having a pair of bores 49 therethrough to accommodate the first and second body members 12, 13, and also an intervening spacer 50 having a pair of bores 51 through which the body members 12, 13 extend. The upper packing element 48 is engageable by the upper gauge ring 33 and insert 35, its lower end engaging the spacer 50 which, in turn, engages the lower pliant, elastic packing element 48, which contacts a lower insert 52 having bores 53a receiving the body members 12, 13. It also contacts a lower gauge ring 54 threaded on a lower connector and expander 44, the lower gauge ring having an inwardly directed flange 55 clamping the insert 52 against the expander. The expander 44 is also provided with a pair of bores or passages 56' through which the the first and second members 12, 13 extend. The expander 44, lower insert 52, and lower gauge ring 53 are movable as a unit relatively to the first and second tubular body members 12, 13. Downward movement of these parts relative to the first tubular body member 12 is prevented by a split stop ring 56 mounted in a groove 57 in the first body member 12 and engaging the lower end of the lower insert 52. The bore 56 through the expander, however, is of an enlarged diameter along an extended length so as to permit relative upward movement of the expander 44 along the body members 12, 13 to the extent limited by engagement of the lower flange 58 on the expander with the stop ring 56.

The lower expander 44 has a plurality of spaced slots 59 in which are located expander surfaces 60 tapering in a downward and inward direction (see particularly FIGS. 1, 6 and 10) adapted to coact with companion tapered surfaces 61 on the inner portions of slips 62 which are movable longitudinally relative to the expander 44 and laterally outwardly and inwardly into and from engagement with the wall of the well casing B. Each slip 62 has opposed side tongues 63 slidable in companion grooves 64 in the expander so that the slips are moved positively from an expanded to a retracted position upon relative longitudinal separation between the expander 44 and slips 62. The lower ends of the slips are connected to a slip ring 65 having a pair of bores 66 through which the body members 12, 13 extend, there being a slidable connection between T-shaped heads 67 of the slips and cornpanion T-shaped grooves 68 formed in the slip ring 65, so that the slips 62 are moved jointly longitudinally with the slip ring 65, the slips being permitted to move radially of the slip ring toward the well casing B and from the well casing. To facilitate such radial movement, the T- shaped heads 67 and the companion grooves 68 in the slip ring are inclined to a small extent in an outward and downward direction, as disclosed most clearly in FIG. 10.

A lower thrust plate or insert 69 having a pair of bores 70 through which the body members 12, 13 extend is clamped against the lower end of the slip ring 65 by a clamp ring 71 having an inwardly directed flange 72 engaging the plate. A pliant, elastic member 73, such as a rubber or rubber-like packing, that is initially and nor mally retracted, has parallel passages 74 through which the body members extend, this packing member engaging the thrust plate 69 and the upper clamp or abutment 71, its lower end engaging a lower abutment 75 having passages 76 through which the body members 12, 13 extend in slidable relation. I

The first body member 12 extends downwardly through one passage 77 in a hydraulic housing 78, Whereas the other body member 13 extends into another passage 79 in the hydraulic housing. This latter passage has a lower threaded bore 80 adapted to receive the upper pin end 81 of tubing 82 depending therebelow. Such tubing may receive production from an upper zone in a well bore, to conduct it through the second body member 13 and the second tubular string 11 to the top of the hole. The first tubular body member 12 projects below the hydraulic housing 78 and may have tubing (not shown) suitably connected thereto for leak-proof association with a lower packer (not shown), which is set above a lower producing zone, for the purpose of conducting the fluid from the lower zone through the first body member 12 and the first tubular string 10 to the top of the well bore.

In setting the well packer A in the well casing B, or similar conduit string disposed in the well bore, the expander 44 and slip ring 65 are moved toward each other. Movement of the expander and slip ring away from each other is limited by a plurality of longitudinally extended limit or connector screws or pins 83 (FIG. 10) threadedly secured to the expander 44 and extending into bores 84 in the slip ring 65. The extent of movement of the expander and slip away from one another is limited by engagement of the slip ring 65 with the heads 85 at the lower ends of the screws 83. In a similar fashion, the pliant,. elastic packing member 73, that tends to hold the slips 62 outwardly against the well casing B, is expanded outwardly by relative movement of the slip ring 65 and upper abutment 69 toward the lower abutment 5 Mqv rofi these members away from each other is limited by a plurality of connecting or limit screws or pins 86 (FIG. 11), the lower ends of which are threaded into the lower abutment 75, the screws extending through the elastic element 73 and the thrust plate 69, being slidable in an upward di rection through the latter and within bores 87 in the slip ring 65. Movement of the lower abutment 75, on the one hand, and the slip ring 65 and thrust plate 69, on the other hand, in directions away from each other is limited by engagement of upper heads 88 on the screws with the thrust plate 69.

Relative longitudinal movement between the several parts for the purpose of effecting their expansion into engagement with the wall of the well casing is obtained hydraulically, and more particularly by the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore. The hydraulic force is transmitted in a downward direction to the upper connector 30 above the packing structure 43, and in an upward direction onto the lower abutment 75. As disclosed, the hydraulic housing 78 has a plurality of longitudinally extending cylinders 90 therein (FIGS. 7, 8, 12), each cylinder containing a piston 91 having a suitable packing or seal ring 92 thereon slidably sealing against the wall of the cylinder. Secured to each piston is a piston rod 93 extending upwardly therefrom and through an upper cylinder head 94, which has an external flange 95 held against the upper end of the housing 78 by a retainer plate 96 secured against the housing and the upper ends of the cylinder heads 94 by a clamp ring 97 threaded on the upper end of the housing, and having an inwardly directed flange 98 encompassing the lower portion 99 of the lower abutment 75 and bearing against the retainer plate 96. This plate has a plurality of bores 100 through which the first and second tubular members 12, 13 extend, and also a plurality of openings 101 through which the piston rods 93 are slidable, the upper ends of the piston rods being engageable with the lower surface of the lower abutment 75. To prevent leakage of fluid between each piston rod 93 and cylinder head 94, a suitable rod packing 102 is held in the cylinder head by a split snap ring 103, this seal slidably and sealingly engaging the periphery of the piston rod. The cylinder head 94 is sealed against the wall of the cylinder 90 by one or a plurality of seal rings 104 in the head engaging the wall.

A lower inlet port 105 is provided from the housing passage 79 into the lower end of each cylinder 90 below the piston 91 contained therein, which is normally closed by a sleeve valve 106 disposed in the passage 79 thereacross to prevent fluid entry into each cylinder. Leakage of fluid between the sleeve valve 106 and the housing 78 is prevented by seal rings 107 in the housing disposed on opposite sides of the ports 105 and sealingly engaging the periphery of the sleeve 106, so that fluid pressure in the second tubular body member 13, or from any other source, is initially prevented from passing into the inlet ports 105 and the cylinders 90. Similarly, upper inlet ports 108 are provided in the housing 78 from the passage 79, a port opening into each cylinder 90 on the low pressure side of the piston 91 and immediately below its cylinder head 94. These ports are also communicable with the second tubular body member 13, but are initially closed by such body member extending across them, leakage of fluid being prevented by one or more side seal rings 109 on opposite sides of the ports 108 and mounted in the housing, which sealingly engage against the periphery of the second tubular body member 13. Initially, each cylinder 90 on the low pressure side or above the piston 91 merely contains air at atmospheric pressure, and fluid is prevented from entering such cylinder space by disposition of the second tubular body member 13 across the upper inlet port 108.

The sleeve valve 106 is also initially disposed across the lower inlet ports 105, the sleeve being held in such port closing position by a releasable device in the form of a shear screw 110 threadedly secured to the second tubular body member 13 and engaging an upper finger 111 of a latch portion of the sleeve valve. Such latch portion includes upwardly extending, spring-like latch arms 112 integral with the lower portion of the sleeve valve 106 and with the fingers 111, which are slidably disposed in a counterbore 113 in the lower portion of the second tubular body member 13, initially engaging a shoulder 114 at the upper end of the counterbore. The latch arms 112 and fingers 111 inherently tend to spring outwardly, but are confined in an inward position, to project within the passage through the second tubular body member 13, by the wall of the counterbore 113. When projecting inwardly, the inner upper corners of the fingers collectively provide a valve seat 115 adapted to be engaged by a suitable tripping or valve element 116, such as a ball member, adapted to be dropped down the second tubular string 11 from the top of the hole. When the ball valve member engages its companion seat 115, suflicient pressure can be applied to the fluid in the second tubular body member 13 for downward action upon the ball 116 and the sleeve valve 106 to shear the screw 110 and shift the sleeve valve to a lower position, in which its imperforate portion is disposed below the seal rings 107, as determined by the outward springing of the fingers 111 into a recess 117 in the housing 78 below the lower end of the sec-0nd tubular body member 13, in which position the lower inlet ports 105 leading to the lower ends of the cylinders 90 are open. The outward springing of the fingers 111 increases the minimum diameter through the latch portion of the sleeve valve 106 to an extent at which the ball 116 drops completely through the sleeve valve 106 and from the packer apparatus.

Fluid pressure can now act upwardly on the pistons 91 to elfect a setting of the apparatus in the manner described hereinbelow. At this time, it is to be noted that the upper inlet ports 108 are still closed by the second tubular body member 13, which has a port 118 extending through its wall below the seal rings 109. When such port 118 is brought into substantial alignment with a recess 119 in the housing communicating with the upper inlet ports 108, the fluid pressure can also enter the low pressure side of each cylinder 90 above the piston 91, as described hereinbelow.

The first tubular body member 12 is secured to the hydraulic housing 78 by a split ring 120 .in a peripheral groove 121 in the member 12 clamped by the retainer plate 96 against the housing 78.

Initially, the well packer apparatus has its parts in the relative position shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 2a, 10 and 11, in which the slips 62 are retracted, as well as the upper packing structure 43 and the lower elastic packing element 73. The second tubular string 11 is not disposed in the parallel string head or receptacle 16, but the first tubular string 10 is disposed therethrough and is threadedly connected, by means of its threaded head 26, to the upper connector and abutment member 30. The well packer A is lowered in the well casing B on the first tubular string 10 until a tubular extension (not shown) of the first tubular string body 12 appropriately seats within a lower packer (not shown) disposed between lower and upper producing zones. The length of the tubular extension is such that the packer A illustrated in the drawings will then be located in the well casing B at a desired point above the upper producing zone. When the setting location is reached, the second tubular string 11 is then run in the well casing along side of the first tubular string 10, its lower end engaging an upper tapered guide surface 125 on the parallel string head 16 which will guide it into the second passage 17, its latch fingers 21 snapping past the shoulder 22 to releasably retain the second tubular string attached to the head, and with its seal 19 sealingly engaging the wall of the second passage 17 in the head.

The surface connections (not shown) are then made at the top of the well bore and appropriately secured to the first and second tubular strings 10, 11, which need not thereafter be moved. Drilling mud, or other weighting fluid, in the well casing can now be displaced, as by pumping an appropriate circulating fluid down the second tubular string 11, through the second tubular body 13 and through the sleeve valve 106 for discharge from the lower tubing 82 depending from the hydraulic housing 78 into the well casing B, the fluid then flowing upwardly through the casing B around the well packer A and the first and second tubular strings 10, 11 to the top of the well bore, the circulating fluid carrying the weighting material ahead of it out of the well casing.

After the drilling mud or other weighting material has been removed from the well casing, the packer A is set hydraulically. The trip or valve ball 116 is dropped into the second tubular string 11 and will gravitate therethrough until it comes in contact with its seat 115 at the top of the latch portion of the sleeve valve 106. Pressure of the proper amount is then imposed on the fluid in the second tubular string 11 (for example, of the order of 500 to 1,000 p.s.i.) which will act downwardly on the ball 116 and the sleeve valve 106 suflicient to shear the screw 110 securing the sleeve valve 106 to the second tubular body 13, moving the sleeve valve downwardly to a position opening the lower inlet ports 105, the fingers 111 of the sleeve valve snapping into the recess 117 and then permitting the valve ball 116 to pass downwardly through the sleeve valve to a position below the apparatus, where it merely drops into the casing and will not interfere with the flow of fluid into the casing and through the apparatus.

With the lower ports 105 open (FIGS. 3 and 3a), the hydrostatic head of fluid in the second tubular string 11 and in the well casing B can then pass through the inlet ports 105 and force the pistons 91 and piston rods 93 upwardly in the cylinders 90 and the hydraulic housing 78, since the cylinder spaces above the pistons 91 merely contain air at atmospheric pressure. At the same time, the hydrostatic head of fluid is acting downwardly on the lower portions or heads of the cylinders 90, urging the housing 78 in a downward direction, this downward force being transferred from the retainer plate 96, which is clamped to the housing, to the split stop ring 120 secured to the first body member 12. The piston rods 93 move upwardly, sliding through the retainer plate 96, and engaging the lower abutment or thrust member 75, urging the latter upwardly from the clamp ring 97 and against the lower elastic member 73, forcing this lower elastic member, as well as the slip 65, upwardly along the first and second tubular body members 12, 13. The slips 62 slide upwardly along the expander 44 and outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well casing. They may continue to slide along the casing B, carrying the expander 44 upwardly with it, to move the expander, the lower insert 52 and the lower gauge ring 53 toward the upper gauge ring 33, insert 35 and upper connector 30, which is prevented from moving upwardly by being attached to the first body member 12 through the agency of the split snap ring 40.

The movement of the expander 44 towards the upper connector 30 shortens the packing elements 48 and expands them outwardly into sealing engagement with the wall of the well casing B. After the packing elements have expanded against the wall of the well casing and the slips 62 are engaging the well casing, the slips and the slip ring 65 cannot move upwardly to any additional significant extent, whereupon the lower abutment 75 will move toward the slip ring 65 to shorten the lower packing element 73 and expand it outwardly against the wall of the well casing. As pointed out above, the hydrostatic head of fluid is also acting downwardly on the cylinders 90 and the hydraulic housing 78, urging the housing in a downward direction, such downward movement being transmitted through the first tubular body member 12 to the upper connector 30, so that, in effect, the lower abutment 75 is urged upwardly and the upper connector 30 is moved downwardly to further shorten the upper packing structure 43, as well as the lower packing structure 73, and to urge the expander 44- more firmly down within the slips 62 to embed the wickers 130 on the latter in the wall of the well casing. Such Wickers 130 are shaped to hold the well packer A against longitudinal movement in the well casing in both upward and downward directions, and are maintained and constantly urged upwardly of the expander 44, to be further wedged out against the well casing, by the tendency of the lower packing element 73 to expand, which will exert a constant upward force on the slips. Any tendency for the well packer apparatus to move downwardly is prevented by the downward wedging of the expander 44 within the slips 62, whereas any tendency for the apparatus to be released and moved upwardly in the well casing, as by fluid pressure in the well casing below the packer apparatus, is prevented by the fact that such pressure acts on the lower packing 73, which is constantly tending to elongate or expand and urge the slips upwardly of the expander.

The packer A is thus set in packed-off condition against movement in the well casing in both longitudinal directions and will remain in such set condition until purposely released. The hydrostatic head of fluid in the second tubing string 11 is constantly acting on the pistons 91, urging them in an upward direction and the cylinders 30 and housing 78 in a downward direction, to maintain the setting force on the packing elements 48, 73, expander 44 and slips 62. The setting force is not diminished and will be maintained despite the fact that there might be some elastic material extruding around the several abutments and gauge rings and between such parts and the wall of the well casing, such as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 3a. The extrusion causes the pistons 91 and rods 93 to move upwardly in the cylinders to an additional extent. However, the hydrostatic head of fluid is still present to continue to exert substantially the same force on the parts, to hold them anchored in packed-cit condition against the wall of the well casing.

Fluid from the lower zone will then pass upwardly through the lower packer (not shown) and through the tubular extension attached to the first tubular body 12, through the latter and into the first tubing string 10, flowing to the top of the well bore. Fluid from the upper producing zone will then pass into the casing B and upwardly through the lower tubing 82 and sleeve valve 106 into the second tubular body 13, flowing therefrom into the second passage 17 in the head 16, and then through the second tubular string 11 to the top of the well bore. In this manner, production through separate parallel .paths is maintained at all times from the different producing zones in the well bore.

In the event the well packer A is to be released, the hydrostatic head of fluid acting upwardly on the pistons 91 is also permitted to act downwardly on the pistons, by passing through the upper ports 108 and into the cylinders 90 above the pistons. To secure such equalizing in pressure, the second tubular string 11 is removed from the receptacle 16 by taking an upward pull thereon sufficient to cam the fingers 21 inwardly and allow the latch elements to move past the parallel string head shoulder 22, the second tubular string 11 being elevated in the well casing B and withdrawn completely therefrom. The first tubular string 10 is then rotated to the right, its head 26 threading upwardly in the upper connector 30 until it is completely unthreaded therefrom, whereupon the first tubular string 10 is moved upwardly until the upper shoulder 32 on the head 26 engages the spacer member 31, which, in turn, is contacting the lower end of the parallel string head 16. An upward pull is now taken on the first tubular string 10, which is transmitted through its head 26 and spacer member 31 to the parallel string head 16, this head 16 moving upwardly to carry the second body member 13 upwardly with it and within and relative to the upper connector member 30, to the extent determined by engagement of the stop ring 37 secured 9 to the second tubular member with the lower shoulder 39 of the upper connector (FIGS. 4 and 4a). At this time, the second tubular body 13 has been pulled upwardly within the packing structure 43, expander 44, slip sleeve 65, lower packing 73, and hydraulic housing 78 to a position at which the release port 118 in the lower portion of the second tubular body member 13 is aligned with the circumferential recess 119 in the housing 78, into which the upper inlet ports 108 open. When in this position, the hydrostatic head of fluid can then flow through the upper ports 108 into the cylinders 90 above the pistons 91, to equalize the pressure thereon and thereby removing the hydrostatic setting force from the apparatus.

Continued upward movement of the first tubular string then moves the receptacle 16 and second tubular body 13 upwardly with it, the split ring 37 on this latter member carrying the upper connector and abutment 30 upwardly to raise the upper gauge ring 33 with respect to the lower gauge ring 53, removing the compressive force on the packing structure 43 and allowing the packing elements 48 to inherently retract to the position illustrated in FIG. 2. Such upward movement of the upper connector 30 also carries the first body member 12 upwardly with it, which also slides upwardly within the packing structure 43 and the expander 44, until the split stop ring 56 on the tubular member 12 engages the lower insert 52, which is secured, through the lower gauge ring 53, to the expander 44. Accordingly, the first tubular string 10 is moved upwardly to a further extent, and the expander 44 is pulled upwardly relative to the slips 62, the tongue and groove inclined connection 63, 64 between the expander and slips causing the slips 62 to be shifted positively laterally inwardly to a retracted position.

Further upward movement of the parts will cause the heads 85 on the longitudinal screws 83 to engage the slip ring 65 and shift it upwardly, to carry the lower thrust plate 69 away from the lower abutment 75, allowing the lower packing member 73 to retract inherently to its initial position. As the slip ring 65 moves upwardly, the thrust plate 69 clamped thereagainst engages the heads 88 of the longitudinal screws 86 secured to the lower abutment 75, carrying the latter upwardly with it. In addition, it is to be noted that upward movement of the first tubular body member 12 carries the hydraulic housing 78 upwardly with it, because of the interconnection of the parts with one another through the agency of the split ring 120, the hydraulic piston retainer plate 96, and the clamp ring 97. Thus, all of the parts are carried upwardly in the well casing B, with the slips 62 and the packing structures 43, 73 in retracted position. If desired, the tubular string 10 can be removed completely from the well casing, in order to remove the packer A from the well casing B, as well as any tubing extension, or the like, that might be secured to the lower end of the packer.

In the form of invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, inclusive, the slip wickers 130 are designed to hold against the casing to prevent longitudinal movement in both directions, downward movement of the packer in the casing being prevented by the downward wedging of the expander 44 in the slips 62, and upward movement being prevented by the continued longitudinal force imposed by the lower elastic member 73 on the slips 62, to hold them wedged upon the expander 44 and against the well casing B. In the form of invention illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 16, inclusive, the lower elastic member 73 is eliminated and the well packer apparatus anchored against upward movement in the well casing by hydraulically actuated gripper members 150 mounted in the upper receptacle 16a. As shown in the drawings, the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 16, inclusive, is essentially the same as that disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 12, inclusive, except that the slip ring 65a is movable upwardly out of the clamp ring 97 that secures the piston retainer plate 96 and the first body member 12 to the hydraulic housing 78.

The upper receptacle 16a has a plurality of radial cylinders or bores 151 therein, each of which contains a radially movable gripping member 150, in the form of a piston having external wickers or teeth 152 facing in an upward direction and adapted to grip or embed in the wall of the well casing. The gripping members are urged in an inward or retracted direction by springs 153 bearing against a retainer and spring seat 154 extending across vertical slots 155 in the gripping members and secured to the receptacle or head in any suitable manner, as by means of screws 156. The retainer 154 fits within each gripper member external slot 155 to prevent their turning in the cylinder 151, and to insure the maintenance of the wickers 152 in a properly oriented direction.

The pistons 150 are urged in an outward direction against the force of the springs 153 in response to fluid pressure in the second passage 17 in the parallel string head 16a, which can pass through ports 157 leading from such passage to the gripper member cylinders 151. Leakage of fluid between the pistons 150 and the cylinder walls is prevented by side seal rings 158 in the cylinders slidably and sealingly engaging the peripheries of the pistons.

The apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 16, inclusive, is run in the well bore on the first tubular string 10 in the same manner as in the other form of invention, and the second tubular string 11 then lowered into place and positioned in the second passage 17 in the receptacle 16a. The ball 116 is dropped into the second tubular string 11, to engage the seat in the sleeve 106, and pressure applied in the same manner as in the other form of the invention, to shear the screw 110 and shift the sleeve 106 downwardly to a position opening the lower ports 105,

allowing the hydrostatic head of fluid to enter the lower portion of the cylinders 90 and efiect an expansion of the packing structure 43 and of the slips 62 against the wall of the well casing. If there is any pressure present in the well casing below the well packer tending to shift the well packer upwardly in the casing, such pressure will pass through the second tubular body 13 into the second passage 17, and through the ports 157 in the receptacle 16a (which are disposed below the seal 119 of the second tubular string 11) into the cylinders 15], the pressure urging the gripping members 150 outwardly to embed their wickers 152 in the wall of the well casing. Thus, the gripper members 150 will prevent upward movement of the well packer in the well casing; whereas the lower slips 62, which preferably have their wickers a oriented in a downward direction, will prevent downward movement of the well packer in the well casing.

The well packer illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 16, inclusive, is released in the same manner as in the other form of invention by unscrewing the lower head 26 on the first tubular body or mandrel member 25 from the abutment member 30 and elevating the latter, preceded preferably by removal of the second tubular string 11 from the well bore. Upward movement of the first tubular string 10 will then effect elevation of the second body member 13 within the hydraulic housing 78 to a position in which the bleeder port 118 is placed in communication with the upper inlet ports 108 of the cylinders, equalizing the hydrostatic pressure in the apparatus and allowing all of the parts to be shifted or to inherently shift to their initial retracted position. The release of the packing 43 from the well casing will equalize the pressures internally and externally of the cylinders 151 in which the gripper members are disposed, allowing the springs 153 to shift them inwardly to their retracted position. The apparatus can now be withdrawn completely from the well bore by elevating the first tubular string 10, in the same manner as the other form of the invention.

The inventors claim:

1. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means; normally retracted means on said body means adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore; hydraulically operable means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly and having a high pressure side and a low pressure side; means for preventing the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore internally and externally of said body means from acting on said high pressure and low pressure sides; means for shifting a portion of said preventing means to a position permitting action of said hydrostatic head of fluid on said high pressure side, but not on said low pressure side, to cause said hydraulically operable means to expand said normally retracted means; and means for shifting a portion of said preventing means to a position permitting action of said hydrostatic head of fluid on said low pressure side to substantially equalize the hydrostatic head acting on said high and low pressure sides and enable said normally retracted means to be retracted from its outwardly expanded position.

2. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means; normally retracted means on said body means adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore; cylinder and piston means on said body means operatively connected to said normally retracted means to expand said normally retracted means outwardly; said cylinder and piston means having a high pressure side and a low pressure side in which a gaseous medium is confined initially; first passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to said high pressure side of said cylinder and piston means to expand said normally retracted means outwardly; second passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to the low pressure side of said cylinder and piston means to enable said normally retracted means to retract from its outwardly expanded position; first means initially closing said first passage means; second means initially closing said second passage means to confine the gaseous medium in said low pressure side and prevent entry through said second passage means of the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore into said low pressure side; means for shifting said first closing means to open position; and means for shifting said second closing means to open position.

3. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means; normally retracted means on said body means adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore; hydraulically operable means having a high pressure side responsive to the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly, said hydraulically operable means having a low pressure side and a confined gaseous medium on said low pressure side; means for preventing the hydrostatic head of fluid from acting on said high and low pressure sides of said hydraulically operable means; means responsive to fluid pressure in said body means for shifting a portion of said preventing means to a position permitting action of the hydrostatic head of fluid on the high pressure side of said hydraulically operable means, but not on said low pressure side to retain said gaseous medium confined; and means for substantially equalizing the hydrostatic head of fluid acting on said high and low pressure sides of said hydraulically operable means to enable said normally retracted means to be retracted from its outwardly expanded position.

4. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means; normally retracted means on said body means adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore; hydraulically operable means having a high pressure side responsive to the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly, said hydraulically operable means having a low pressure side and a confined gaseous medium on said low pressure side; means for preventing the hydrostatic head of fluid from acting on said high and low pressure sides of said hydraulically operable means;

means for shifting a portion of said preventing means to a position permitting action of the hydrostatic head of fluid on the high pressure side of said hydraulically operable means but not on said low pressure side to retain said gaseous medium confined; and means movable by manipulation of said body means for substantially equalizing the hydrostatic head of fluid acting on said high and low pressure sides of said hydraulically operable means to enable said normally retracted means to be retracted from its outwardly expanded position.

5. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means; normally retracted means on said body means adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore; hydraulically operable means having a high pressure side responsive to the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly, said hydraulically operable means having a low pressure side and a confined gaseous medium on said low pressure side; means for preventing the hydrostatic head of fluid from acting on said high and low pressure sides of said hydraulically operable means; means responsive to fluid pressure in said body means for shifting a portion of said preventing means to a position permitting the hydrostatic head of fluid to act on said high pressure side of said hydraulically operable means, but not on said low pressure side to retain said gaseous medium confined; and means movable by manipulation of said body means for substantially equalizing the hydrostatic head of fluid acting on said high and low pressure sides of said hydraulically operable means to enable said normally retracted means to be retracted from its outwardly expanded position.

6. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means; normally retracted means on said body means adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore; hydraulically operable means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly and having a high pressure side and a low pressure side, said hydraulically operable means including a confined gaseous medium on said low pressure side; sleeve valve means for preventing the hydrostatic head of fluid from acting on said high pressure side; manipulative means movable by said body means for preventing the hydrostatic head of fluid from acting on said low pressure side and said gaseous medium; means for shifting said sleeve valve means to a position permitting action of said hydrostatic head of fluid on said high pressure side, but not on said low pressure side; said manipulative means being movable by said body means to a position permitting action of said hydrostatic head of fluid on said low pressure side and the gaseous medium to enable said normally retracted means to be retracted from its outwardly expanded position.

7. In appanatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means; normally retractedmeans on said body means adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore; cylinder and piston means on said body means operatively connected to said normally retracted means to expand said normally retracted means outwardly; said cylinder and piston means having a high pressure side and a low pressure side in which a gaseous medium is confined initially; first pasage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to said high pressure side of said cylinder and piston means to expand said normally retracted means outwardly; second passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in-the well bore to the low pressure side of said cylinder and piston means to enable said normally retracted means to retract from its outwardly expanded position; a sleeve initially closing said first passage means; manipulative means movable by said body means initially closing said second passage means to confine the gaseous medium in said low pressure side and prevent entry through said second passage means of the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore into said low pressure side; means 13 for shifting said sleeve to a position opening said first passage means; said manipulative means being movable by said body means to a position opening said second passage means.

8. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means; normally retracted means on said body means adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the Wall of the well bore; hydraulically operable means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly and having a high pressure side and a low pressure side; first means for preventing fluid pressure from acting on said high pressure side; second means for preventing fluid pressure from acting on said low pressure side and confining a gaseous medium on said low pressure side; means for shifting said first preventing means to a position permitting fluid pressure to act on said high pressure side to cause said hydraulically operable means to expand said normally retracted means; and means for shifting said second preventing means to a position permitting fluid pressure to act on said low pressure side and said gaseous medium to enable retraction of said normally retracted means from its outwardly expanded position.

9. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: tubular body means; normally retracted means on said body means adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore; cylinder means on said body means; piston means slidable relatively in said cylinder means; said piston means and cylinder means being operatively connected to said normally retracted means to expand the same outwardly upon relative movement of said piston means in said cylinder means; first passage means for conducting fluid under pressure to said cylinder means on one side of said piston means to expand said normally retracted means; second passage means for conducting fluid under pressure to said cylinder means on the other .side of said piston means to enable said normally retracted means to retract; first means initially closing said first passage means; second means initially closing said second passage means and confining a gaseous medium in said cylinder means on said other side of said piston means; means for shifting said first closing means to open position; and means for shifting said second closing means to open position.

10. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means adapted to be connected to a tubular string extending to the top of the well bore; a normally retracted packing on said body means; abutment means on said body means engageable with said packing at one end thereof; expander means on said body means engageable with said packing at the other end thereof; normally retracted slip means engaging said expander means and expandible outwardly thereby; cylinder and piston means on said body means for shifting said slip means and abutment means relatively toward each other to expand said packing and slip means laterally outwardly; first passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to one side of said cylinder and piston means to expand said packing and slip means outwardly; second passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to the other side of said cylinder and piston means to enable said packing and slip means to retract from their outwardly expanded positions; first means initially closing said first passage means; second means initially closing said second passage means and confining a gaseous medium on said other side of said cylinder and piston means; means for shifting said first closing means to open position; and means for shifting said second closing means to open position.

11. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means adapted to be connected to a tubular string extending to the top of the well bore; a normally retracted packing on said body means; abutment means on said body means engageable with said packing at one end thereof; expander means on said body means engageable with said packing at the other end thereof; normally retracted slip means engaging said expander means and expandible outwardly thereby; cylinder and piston means on said body means for shifting said slip means and abutment means relatively toward each other to expand said packing and slip means laterally outwardly; first passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to one side of said cylinder and piston means to expand said packing and slip means outwardly; second passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the Well bore to the other side of said cylinder and piston means to enable said packing and slip means to retract from their outwardly expanded position; a. sleeve initially closing said first passage means; manipulative means movable by said body means initially olosing said second passage means and confining a gaseous medium on said other side of said cylinder and piston means; means for shifting said sleeve to a position opening said first passage means; said manipulative means being movable by said body means to a position opening said second passage means.

12. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means adapted to be connected to a tubular string extending to the top of the well bore; a first normally retracted packing on said body means; abutment means on said body means engageable with said packing at one end thereof; expander means on said body means engageable with said packing at the other end thereof; normally retracted slip means engaging said expander means and expandible outwardly thereby; a second normally retracted packing on said body means engaging said slip means; cylinder and piston means on said body means and engaging said second normally retracted packing for shifting said abutment means and second packing relatively toward each other to expand said first packing, second packing, and slip means laterally outwardly; first passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to one side of said cylinder and piston means to expand said first and second packings and said slip means outwardly; second passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to the other side of said cylinder and piston means to enable said first and second packings and said slip means to retract from their outwardly expanded position; first means initially closing said first passage means; second means initially closing said second passage means and confining a gaseous medium on said other side of said cylinder and piston means; means for shifting said first closing means to open position; and means for shifting said second closing means to open position.

13. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means adapted to be connected to a tubular string extending to the top of the well bore; a normally retracted packing on said body means; abutment means on said body means engageable with said packing at one end thereof; expander means on said body means engageable with said packing at the other end thereof; normally retracted slip means engaging said expander means and expandible outwardly thereby; cylinder means on said body means; piston means slidable relatively in said cylinder means; said piston means and cylinder means being operatively connected to said abutment means and slip means to expand the same outwardly upon relative movement of said piston means in said cylinder means; first passage means for conducting fluid under pressure to said cylinder means on one side of said piston means to expand said packing and slip means; second passage means for conducting fluid under pressure to said cylinder means on the other side of said piston means to enable said packing and slip means to retract; first means initially closing said first passage means; second means initially closing said second passage means and confining a gaseous medium in said cylinder means on said other side of said piston means; means for shifting said first closing means to open position; and means for shifting said second closing means to open position.

14. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means adapted to be connected to a tubular string extending to the top of the well bore; a first normally retracted packing on said body means; abutment means on said body means engageable with said packing at one end thereof; expander means on said body means engageable with said packing at the other end thereof; normally retracted slip means engaging said expander means and expandible outwardly thereby; a second normally retracted packing on said body means engaging said slip means; cylinder means on said body means; piston means slidable relatively in said cylinder means; said piston means and cylinder means being operatively connected to said second normally retracted packing and said abutment means to expand said first and second packings and said slip means outwardly upon relative movement of said piston means in said cylinder means; first passage means for conducting fluid under pressure to said cylinder means on one side of said piston means to expand said first and second packings and said slip means; second passage means for conducting fluid under pressure to said cylinder means on the other side of said piston means to enable said first and second packings and said slip means to retract; first means initially closing said first passage means; second means initially closing said second passage means and confining a gaseous medium in said cylinder means on said other side of said piston means; means for shifting said first closing means to open position; and means for shifting said second closing means to open position.

15. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means adapted to be connected to a tubular string extending to the top of the well bore; abutment means on said body means; a normally retracted packing on said body means having its upper portion engageable with said abutment means; expander means on said body means below and engageable with said packing; normally retracted slip means below and engaging said expander means and expandible outwardly thereby; cylinder and piston means on said body means below said slip means for shifting said slip means and abutment means relatively toward each other to expand said packing and slip means laterally outwardly; first passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to said cylinder below said piston means to expand said packing and slip means outwardly; second passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to said cylinder above said piston means to enable said packing and slip means to retract from their outwardly expanded positions; first means initially closing said first passage means; second means initially closing said second passage means and confining a gaseous medium in said cylinder above said piston means; means for shifting said first closing means to open position; and means for shifting said second closing means to open position.

16. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means adapted to be connected to a tubular string extending to the top of the well bore; abutment means on said body means; a first normally retracted packing on said body means having its upper portion engageable with said abutment means; expander means on said body means below and engageable with said packing; normally retracted slip means below and engaging said expander means and expandible outwardly thereby; a second normally retracted packing on said body means below and engaging said slip means; cylinder and piston means on :said body means below said second packing and engaging said second packing for shifting said abutment means land second packing relatively toward each other to expand said first packing, second packing, and slip means laterally outwardly; first passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to said cylinder below said piston means to expand said first and second packings and said slip means outwardly; second passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to said cylinder above said piston means to enable said first and second packings and said slip means to retract from their outwardly expanded positions; first means initially closing said first passage means; second means initially closing said second passage means and confining a gaseous medium in said cylinder above said piston means; means for shifting said first closing means to open position; and means for shifting said second closing means to open position.

17. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means adapted to be connected to a tubular string extending to the top of the well bore; abutment means on said body means; a normally retracted packing on said body means having its upper portion engageable with said abutment means; expander means on said body means below and engageable with said packing; normally retracted slip means below and engaging said expander means and expandible outwardly thereby; cylinder and piston means on said body means below said slip means for shifting said slip means and abutment means relatively toward each other to expand said packing and slip means laterally outwardly; first passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to said cylinder below said piston means to expand said packing and slip means outwardly; second passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to said cylinder above said piston means to enable said packing and slip means to retract from their outwardly expanded positions; a sleeve initially closing said first passage means; manipulative means movable by said body means initially closing said second passage means and confining a gaseous medium in said cylinder above said piston means; means for shifting said sleeve to a position opening said first passage means; said manipulative means being movable by said body means to a position opening said second passage means.

18. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means comprising first and second tubular body members in side-by-side relation; normally retracted packing means on said body members and having an end portion engaging said body means; expander means on said body members engaging the opposite end portion of said packing means; slip means engaging said expander means to be expanded outwardly thereby; a housing secured to said first body member and having a passage receiving said second body member; said housing having a cylinder therein; piston means in said cylinder engageable with said slip means; first passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to said cylinder on one side of said piston means to expand said packing means and slip means outwardly; second passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to said cylinder on the other side of said piston means to enable said packing means and slip means to retract from their outwardly expanded positions; first means initially closing said first passage means; second means initially closing said second passage means; means for shifting said first closing means to open position; and means for shifting said second closing means to open position.

19. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means comprising first and second tubular body members in side-by-side relation; normally retracted packing means on said body members and having an end portion engaging said body means; expander means on said body members engaging the opposite end portion of said packing means; slip means engaging said expander means to be expanded outwardly thereby; a housing secured to said first body member and having a passage receiving said second body member; said housing having a cylinder therein; piston means in said cylinder engageable with said slip means; first passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the Well bore to said cylinder on one side of said piston means to expand said packing means and slip means outwardly; second passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to said cylinder on the other side of said piston means to enable said packing means and slip means to retract from their outwardly expanded positions; a sleeve initially closing said first passage means; manipulative means movable by said second body member initially closing said second passage means; means for shifting said sleeve to a position opening said first passage means; said manipulative means being movable by said second body member to a position opening said second passage means.

20. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means comprising first and second tubular body members in side-by-side relation; normally retracted packing means on said body members and having an upper end portion engaging said body means; expander means on said body members below and engaging the lower end portion of said packing means; slip means below and engaging said expander means to be expanded outwardly thereby; a housing below said slip means secured to said first body member and having a passage receiving said second body member; said housing having a cylinder therein; piston means in said cylinder engageable with said slip means; first passage means for conducting pressure fluid from said passage to said cylinder below said piston means to expand said packing means and slip means; second passage means for conducting pressure fluid from said passage to said cylinder above said piston means to enable said packing means and slip means to retract; first means initially closing said first passage means; second means initially closing said second passage means; means for shifting said first closing means to open position; and means for shifting said second closing means to open position.

21. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means comprising first and second tubular body members in side-byside relation; normally retracted packing means on said body members and having an upper end portion engaging said body means; expander means on said body members below and engaging the lower end portion of said packing means; slip means below and engaging said expander means to be expanded outwardly thereby; a housing below said slip means secured to said first body member and having a passage receiving said second body member; said housing having a cylinder therein; piston means in said cylinder engageable with said slip means; first passage means for conducting pressure fluid from said passage to said cylinder below said piston means to expand said packing means and slip means; second passage means for conducting pressure fluid from said passage to said cylinder above said piston means to enable said packing means and slip means to retract; a sleeve initially closing said first passage means; manipulative means movable by said second body member initially closing said second passage means; means for shifting said sleeve to a position opening said first passage means; said manipulative means being movable by said second body member to a position opening said second passage means.

22. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: a receptacle having a passage therein for receiving a tubular string extending to the top of the well bore; an upper abutment below said receptacle; first and second tubular body members in side-by-side relation in said upper abutment, said second body member being secured to said receptacle in communication with the :passage in said receptacle; a tubular mandrel extending along said receptacle and detachably secured to said abutment in sealing relation to said first body member; normally retracted packing means on said body members and having an upper end portion engaging said upper abutment; expander means on said body members engaging the lower end portion of said packing means; slip means below and engaging said expander means to be expanded outwardly thereby; a housing secured to said first body member below said slip means and having a passage receiving said second body member; said housing having a cylinder therein; piston means in said cylinder engageable with said slip means; first passage means for conducting pressure fluid from said housing passage to said cylinder below said piston means to expand said packing means and slip means; second passage means for conducting pressure fluid from said housing passage to said cylinder above said piston means to enable said packing means and slip means to retract; a sleeve valve in said housing passage initially closing said first passage means; said second body member extending initially across said second passage means to close the same; means for shifting said sleeve valve to a position opening said first passage means; said tubular mandrel being released from said upper abutment to shift said receptacle upwardly and said second body member upwardly of said housing to open said second passage means.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,060,352 11/36 Stokes -268 2,279,676 4/42 Hart 166-63 2,328,840 9/43 OLeary 166-194 X 2,595,014 4/52 Smith et a1. 166-98 2,734,581 2/56 Bonner 166-98 2,841,224 7/58 Baker et al. 166-134 2,903,066 9/59 Brown 166-120 X 2,991,833 7/61 Brown et al 166-122 3,002,564 10/61 Baker 166-120 X 3,011,558 12/61 Conrad 166-212' 3,020,961 2/62 Orr 166-179 CHARLES E. OCONNELL, Primary Examiner. BENJAMIN BENDETT, Examiner. 

1. IN APPARATUS ADAPTED TO BE SET IN A WELL BORE: BODY MEANS; NORMALLY RETRACTED MEANS ON SAID BODY MEANS ADAPTED TO BE EXPANDED OUTWARDLY INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE WALL OF THE WELL BORE; HYDRAULICALLY OPERABLE MEANS FOR HAVING A HIGH PRESSURE SIDE AND LOW PRESSURE SIDE; AND HAVING A HIGH PRESSURE SIDE AND A LOW PRESSURE SIDE; MEANS FOR PREVENTING THE HYDROSTATIC HEAD OF FLUID IN THE WELL BORE INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY OF SAID BODY MEANS FROM ACTING ON SAID HIGH PRESSURE AND LOW PRESSURE SIDES; MEANS FOR SHIFTING A PORTION OF SAID PREVENTING MEANS TO A POSITION PERMITTING ACTION OF SAID HYDROSTATIC HEAD OF FLUID ON SAID HIGH PRESSURE SIDE, BUT NOT ON SAID LOW PRESSURE SIDE, TO CAUSE SAID HYDRAULICALLY OPERABLE MEANS TO EXPAND SAID NORMALLY RETRACTED MEANS; AND MEANS FOR SHIFTING A PORTION OF SAID PREVENTING MEANS TO A POSITION PERMITTING ACTION OF SAID HYDROSTATIC HEAD OF FLUID ON SAID LOW PRESSURE SIDE TO SUBSTANTIALLY EQUALIZE THE HYDROSTATIC HEAD ACTING ON SAID HIGH AND LOW PRESSURE SIDES SAID ENABLE SAID NORMALLY RETRACTED MEANS TO BE RETRACTED FROM ITS OUTWARDLY EXPANDED POSITION.
 2. IN APPARATUS ADAPTED TO BE SET IN A WWLL BORE: BODY MEANS; NORMALLY RETRACTED MEANS ON SAID BODY MEANS ADAPTED TO BE EXPANDED OUTWARDLY INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE WELL OF THE WALL BORE; FIRST PASAGE MEANS FOR CONSAID BODY MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO SAID NORMALLY RETRACTED MEANS TO EXPAND SAID NORMALLY RETRATED MEANS OUTWARDLY; SAID CYLINDRICAL AND PISTON MEANS HAVING A HIGH PRESSURE SIDE AND THE A LOW PRESURE SIDE IN WHICH A GASEOUS MEDIUM IS CONFIGURED INTERNALLY; FIRST PASSAGE MEANS FOR CONDUCTING THE HYDROSTATIC HEAD OF FLUID IN THE WELL BORE TO SAID HIGH PRESSURE SIDE OF SAID CYLINDRICAL AND PISTON MEANS TO EXPAND SAID NORMALLY RETRACTED MEANS OUTWARDLY SECOND PASSAGE MEANS FOR CONDUCTING THE HYDROSTATIC HEAD OF FLUID IN THE WALL BORE TO SAID LOW PRESSURE SAID OF SAID CYLINDER AND PISTON MEANS TO ENABLE SAID NORMALLY RETRACTED MEANS TO RETRACT FROM ITS OUTWARDLY EXPANDED POSITION; FIRST MEANS INITIALLY CLOSING SAID FIRST PASSAGE MEANS; SECOND MEANS INTERIALLY CLOSING SAID SECOND PASSAGE MEANS TO CONFINE THE GASEOUS MEDIUM IN SAID LOW PRESSURE SIDE AND PREVENT ENTRY THROUGH SAID SECOND PASSAGE MEANS OF THE HYDROSTATIC HEAD OF FLUID IN THE WELL BORE INTO SAID LOW PRESSURE SIDE; MEANS FOR SHIFTING SAID FIRST CLOSING MEANS TO OPEN POSITION; AND MEANS FOR SHIFTING SAID SECOND CLOSING MEANS TO OPEN POSITION. 